"I LOVE TO TELL THE STORY"

Gavin McGee preached this lesson on gossip one Sunday Morning at Florence Blvd. Church of Christ. The lesson was on the topic of gossip, so I thought I would share. Let's face it, girls are gossip queens.

When it comes to gossip I think that the first thing one has to understand is the definition of what gossip is. Gossip is said to be "a rumor or talk of personal, sentimental, or intimate nature", according to Webster's Dictionary. The Bible refers to a gossiper as a talebearer or a whisperer. Ultimately if you are talking about someone in a way that is not going to help he/she spiritually, you are participating in some juicy gossip.

Let's figure out the nature of gossip.

1) Gossip springs from false motives. Phil 4:8, Romans 15:1 Most of the time if we are gossiping about someone it is not for their benifit, but for our own. When we gossip about someone the ultimate goal is to degrade the other person to make ourselves feel better. When we gossip we are not focusing on the things we need to have our minds focused on in Phil 4:8.

2) It finds its life in our tongues. In James 3: 5-8 the tongue is compared to a wildfire. in verse 8 it says "but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison." This verse alone should be enough to tell us how damaging gossip can be. Think of how fast and how widespread a wildfire can be. Gossip can hurt and destroy someones feelings and reputation if the exact same way. In James 1:19 it warns us to be slow speaking, so maybe we can use our tongue for something greater than silly gossip.

3) It spreads and grows. like said earlier, gossip can be so widespread, that the real truth of a story is so diminished and changed that a person's reputation can be ruined.

4) Hurts others. In Galatians 6:10 it says "So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." In Galatians we are commanded to do good to everyone who we come in contact with. The same hold true when we talk about someone. If what we are talking about is not going to end with something Godly and good happening, then the likely hood of it being a good conversation about someone is slim to none.

5)Hurts our example. As Christians, the kind of example we should be setting is of someone who does not participate in gossip. How bad does it look to someone who might not be a Christian if we as Christians are participating in gossip. How are we then any different than non-Christians.

6) Hurts the Church. In Psalms 133:1 it says "Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity." What would the chruch be if brothers and sisters in Christ were not able to dwell in peace with one another? The answer is simply nothing. A Church with divisions will not survive, it is not what God would want when he looks at his church. Gossip will ultimately cause huge divisions in a church.

7) Causes Strife. In Proverbs 26:20 it says" For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer quarreling ceases." I think that this sums the nature of gossip up in a nutshell. Where gossip is you can always expect quarreling and strife, and as Proverbs 26:20 says, where gossip stops the quarreling and strife ceases.

So now that we have covered the nature of gossip let's look at what the result of gossip is.

1) Makes one guilty of spreading lies

2) condems soul

There are many old testament and new testament refrences to prove that fact: Lev 19:16, Prov. 11:13, Prov. 16:28, Prov. 17:4, Prov. 18:8, Prov. 20:19, and Prov. 26:2o. Phil. 2:3-4, Titus 2:1, Titus 3:1-2, James 4:11, Romans 1:29, 2 Cor. 12:20.

So What can we do to Prevent Gossip?

1) Learn to mind our own business.- 1 Thess 4:10-11, 2 Thess 3:11-12

2) Look for the Good in ever situation.-Romans 3:10

3) Don't believe everything you hear.- James 3:8-10

4) When you hear Gossip, Handle it properly

a. Go straight to the Horses mouth

b. If it is not true, keep it to yourself

c. If it is true, keep it to yourself

5) Choose your associations wisely.- Prov. 20:19, 1 Cor 15:33

6) Would I want that said about me? -Matt. 7:12

7) LEARN TO LOOK PAST THE GOSSIP AND SEE A SOUL!

I thought this would be a good post because I figured it is something that the everyday girl struggles with on a day to day basis. I know I do for sure. Lets face it, its fun to talk about people! But that is just the kicker, sin is fun!!! Gossip is sin!! They go hand in hand! Just think of how much greater the world would be if we didn't gossip about people. Think about how many things would be different. The ultimate goal in life is to get to heaven and bring as many people as you can with you along the way. There is absolutely no way you can do so if you are gossiping. We can not expect to be uplifted if we ourselves are not willing to always uplift others.

-the girls-

Would You Kiss God With That Mouth?

When speaking of taming of the tongue during this day and age, I am guessing most people think about cursing. I mean let's face it, using dirty language is all around us. Whether it comes from movies, television shows, music, classmates, fellow employees, or family members, filthy language is all around us. And yes, refraining from using dirty language is a struggle and something we need to refrain from. However, I feel that another form of taming the tongue needs to take place in today's society and it takes the sly form of gossip. I have a feeling that gossiping about someone is becoming laxed in our conversations. Noone really stops to think "hey is what I am about to say going to hurt this person?" or "I shouldn't say this, it really isn't any of my business." Actually it is quite the opposite. Gossip is a juicy part of our everyday conversations. Look at all the gossip magazines for example. Does God consider gossip filthy language? I think so! In James 3, the idea of taming the tongue is being discussed. In verse six it says " the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness." Think of how a fire works, from the starting point of the fire, the flames only spread farther and wider. That is the same exact way gossip works. From the starting point of a conversation that is enthralled with gossip, the lives that are impacted by what is said is only going to get larger and larger. In James it says that no one can fully tame the tongue, but there are ways we can try. Bite your tongue the next time you feel the need to talk about someone. We are here to lift one another closer to heaven. So let's all talk about heavinly things. When it comes to using filthy language I have often times heard the phrase "Would You Kiss Your Momma With That Mouth"?. I found it humorous, but effective. Often times we wouldn't say the things we would say to others in front of our moms. So why would we want to act the same way towards our God. So when you hear the latest gossip or feel like repeating some, ask yourself and others the question " Would You Kiss God With That Mouth?"

-The Girls-

LET ALL THAT YOU DO BE DONE IN LOVE.

In I Corinthians 16:14 Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth saying "Let all that you do be done in love."............ But, what kind of love is he talking about here? Romantic love? Brotherly love?...... The Greeks had various definitions of love. Eros is probably what most people mean when they announce with a smile, "I'm in love." This type of love covers everything from queasy stomachs and warm fuzzy feelings to strong sensual passion.We recognize philia and its meaning from the name Philadelphia, that is, the city of brotherly love. This is the love of friendship, best friends, and the fellowship of being with those people you enjoy.Unlike the previous two types of love, agape is not limited to being held hostage by its environment and someone's perception. The reason why agape can soar above these is because it is based upon the commitment of a decision. It entails the decision to proactively seek someone's well-being.

Is the love that Paul is talking about any of these three? Well, lets find out.

In I John 4:7-8 it says, "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love." The love that Paul is talking about is neither of the three, but merely the love of God. Yes the concept of eros, philia, and agape are great, but the love of God surpasses them all. Paul is urging the people to love as God would love. Paul tells us to have a heart that loves with joy, patience, kindness,goodness, faithfulness, and peace. The love of God is keeping all of His commandments. 1 John 5:3 "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments And his commandments are not burdensome." As we go through out our day to day lives, everything that we do should be done in the love of God. And if you really think about it, how burdensome could that be considering what all He has ultimately done for us.(John 3:16). When we do God's will and stay faithful to Him there is no greater love in this world. And what a reward we get when we love Him so. (Matthew 7:21)

-The Girls-

BEAUTY

What is the true definition of a beautiful woman? Long Hair? Short Hair? Blue Eyes? Brown Eyes? Skinny? Fat? Short? Tall? We are surrounded by television shows, magazines, movies, etc. that drill a certain stereotype on the way a woman should look if she is striving to be beautiful. But do these characteristics really make someone beautiful? In the Bible, God says absolutely not. In 1 Samuel 16:7 it says "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." God doesn't want us women to spend countless minutes and hours in front of the mirror trying to impress everyone with what we look like. God wants us to spend our time developing the beauty within our hearts, so it can be reflected in everything that we do and are. As we get older, our physical body is going to change, (Proverbs 31:30 - "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting: but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.") but if we keep our heart pure and free from sin physical appearance will never matter. When a women keeps herself unspotted from the world, the Lord could not ask for a more beautiful daughter.I wish all of us could have the mind set for ourselves and others as we do with babies and toddlers. No matter if they are covered in dirt, bald, snaggle toothed, or covered in rolls,a child oozes beauty. But a major part of that has to do with the innocence of their hearts. So girls, as you are running the Christian race and you are unhappy with your freckles, or stomach, or hair just have confidence in knowing you are beautiful anyway, because all you need to worry about when it comes to beauty is your heart.

-The Girls-

SACRIFICE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8s1q4xUUZ0

Sorry that it is in a different language, but if your wanting to get the full effect. There is none better.

What have any of us had to sacrifice in our lives? Maybe some spare time? Maybe a couple of dollars here and there? I mean have we really given up something that was important to us? Something, or someone that we truly loved? My guess is that most of us, including myself would have to say, well, no. At no point in my life have I had to sacrifice for anything. Not for school, not for a place to lay my head at night, food or water, clothing, the privilege of living in a free country. None of these things have I had to sacrifice for. I complain about the smallest things each and everyday and never for a moment stop and realize how blessed I truly am. Did you notice the people on the train? They had no recollection of what happened just twenty feet from them. The father gave his innocent son's life for the messed up lives of the people on that train, and they, at that moment, did not have a care in the world. That is exactly what God did when he sent his son Jesus to die for us sinners. Jesus died for all of us. He died for the righteous, the unrighteous and everyone in between. Could you have done the same? I'm going to be honest in saying that I don't know if I could. Maybe it is because I am spoiled, or weak in the faith, or maybe it is because I have not had to sacrifice for anything. Lets be thankful. Be thankful for Jesus who loves us even when we fail. Be thankful for God who sent his son to make that sacrifice even when we turn our backs on him. God loves and only wants to be loved in return. Giving our lives to God is no doubt a sacrifice. But the sacrifice could not compare to the one He made.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

Use Your Talents For Something Great.

Another story told at Camp Wiregrass

Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, "Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty."

Then the second tree said, "Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull."

Finally the third tree said, "I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me."

After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said, "This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter" ... and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.

At the second tree a woodsman said, "This looks like a strong tree, I should be able to sell it to the shipyard." The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.

When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. One of the woodsmen said, "I don't need anything special from my tree so I'll take this one", and he cut it down.

When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for. The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end. The third tree was cut into large pieces and left alone in the dark. The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams.

Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time. Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and he stood and said "Peace" and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.

Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.

The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, He will give you great gifts. Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined. We don't always know what God's plans are for us. We just know that His ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.

Matthew 5:14 "You are the light of the world. A city set upon a hilltop cannot be hidden." Use your talents for God and he will make you the light of the world. Just as the third tree did.

-the girls.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

The Starfish Story
adapted from The Star Thrower
by Loren Eiseley (1907 - 1977)

Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.

He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"

The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean."

"I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man.

To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."

Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"

At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, "It made a difference for that one."

In today's day and age, I think that many of us have the attitude of the wise man. There are so many people we are surrounded by on a day to day basis. How can we make a difference? I think the simple way to make a difference is to stand out from the world. In Romans 12:2 it says "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Standing out from the world will no doubt make a difference. Sure, you will go through trials and tribulations, but what a difference you can make when you withstand all of those challenges.(Matthew 5:10 -Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.) You never know how many people you will affect by being yourself and standing up for the one who matters the most. Think about it, the people who are remembered throughout history didn't sit back and follow the crowd.

You're Never Alone

Recently, there has been many tragedies going on close to home. Between a middle school shooting an hour away and a 7th grade child taking his own life, these past few weeks have been emotional and hard to bare for many people. Things like this make me wonder... What is wrong with the world? What are people thinking? Why would anyone have these thoughts? There are so many questions I want answered but the real question is, Did these people know God? I wish I knew the answer to that question, but I do know that I need to start taking a higher stand to show people the way. These tragedies were devastating, but I think many have learned a lot from this. The first thing I thought of was Psalm 121:7-8 "The Lord will keep you from all harm- he will watch over your life, the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." My mom showed me this verse after 9/11 and it has stuck with me ever since. Today the world is a scary place, and if your anything like me you worry about things you have no control over. This verse helps me get through my hard times and sad days, it shows me there is still hope. Second, I thought of Matthew 6:34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Here is another verse where we are told not to worry. God is always with us and will always take care of us. He will NEVER give us more than we can bare. So in these hard times, count your blessings and look to God, your friends and family to lean on, they will never let you fall. And always remember, you're never alone.

-The girls-

When You Have Strength From Above, You Don't Have To Imagine

The Beginning of Team Hoyt

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxqe77-Am3w

In the spring of 1977, Rick told his father that he wanted to participate in a 5-mile benefit run for a Lacrosse player who had been paralyzed in an accident. Far from being a long-distance runner, Dick agreed to push Rick in his wheelchair and they finished all 5 miles, coming in next to last. That night, Rick told his father, "Dad, when I'm running, it feels like I'm not handicapped."This realization was just the beginning of what would become over 1,000 races completed, including marathons, duathlons and triathlons (6 of them being Ironman competitions). Also adding to their list of achievements, Dick and Rick biked and ran across the U.S. in 1992, completing a full 3,735 miles in 45 days. More...
In a triathlon, Dick will pull Rick in a boat with a bungee cord attached to a vest around his waist and to the front of the boat for the swimming stage. For the biking stage, Rick will ride a special two-seater bicycle, and then Dick will push Rick in his custom made running chair (for the running stage).Rick was once asked, if he could give his father one thing, what would it be? Rick responded, "The thing I'd most like is for my dad to sit in the chair and I would push him for once."The 2009 Boston Marathon was officially Team Hoyt's 1000th race. Rick always says if it comes down to doing one race a year he would like it to be the Boston Marathon: his favorite race. Dick Hoyt hopes that he is able to push Rick in the Boston Marathon when he is 70 years old (2011)! Neither Dick or Rick are ready to retire yet.

This is from http://www.teamhoyt.com/about/index.html

In Phillipians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Throughout my, and I'm sure many of our day to day lives we are consumed with the hustle and bustle of the world. With school, work, family, and friends our lives in this day and age are..well, busy needless to say. But the one sole thing that can get us through the simple stresses and struggles of life is God and his son Jesus Christ. If we trust in Him enough to get through the small struggles, there is no doubt in this world that he will do more than enough to help us through the major struggles we all might have. Look at Team Hoyt. Not only did the father and son go through the struggles of everyday living ,(because obviously living to them is not as easy as the average person) but they also went throught the struggle of completing the race that they had set before them. Let God take over the little things and he will guide you through the big ones.
-The girls-